
Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road runs through one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth
Australia, oceania
125 km
N/A
moderate
Year-round
Cruising through the western Kimberley region of Western Australia? You HAVE to check out the Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road!
This outback adventure, named after the two massive cattle stations it connects, stretches for 125 km (77 miles) of pure Aussie landscape. Linking the Derby Gibb River Road to the Great Northern Highway, this unsealed track is best tackled with a 4WD, although caravans can sometimes brave it during the dry season – just watch out for those dips and washouts! It's mostly flat, with only the occasional gentle incline.
Be prepared for an authentic outback experience, meaning dust, potholes, and a few creek crossings are part of the fun. The section near Windjana to Tunnel Creek can get pretty dusty and busy with tour groups, but the scenery is worth it. Expect some serious corrugations along the way, and remember, this road is a no-go during the wet season.
The best time to experience this unforgettable drive, which winds through Tunnel Creek National Park, is from May to September. Get ready for an epic Kimberley adventure!
Where is it?
Fairfield-Leopold Downs Road runs through one of the last true wilderness areas on Earth is located in Australia (oceania). Coordinates: -24.7089, 131.7543
Road Details
- Country
- Australia
- Continent
- oceania
- Length
- 125 km
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- -24.7089, 131.7543
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